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PRESCHOOL DESIGN AND CHILD BEHAVIOUR
Author(s) -
Neill S. R. St. J.
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
journal of child psychology and psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.652
H-Index - 211
eISSN - 1469-7610
pISSN - 0021-9630
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7610.1982.tb00075.x
Subject(s) - psychology , aggression , openness to experience , developmental psychology , pre school , preschool education , human factors and ergonomics , relation (database) , social relation , poison control , social psychology , medicine , environmental health , database , computer science
SUMMARY Twenty established children were observed in each of three nursery schools and two day nurseries. Two pairs of nursery schools and clay nurseries were matched for building design. Twenty newly arrived children were also observed in each nursery school. Child behaviour was analysed in relation to building design; playroom openness appeared the most important building factor. Children in the more open units spent less time on school‐oriented activities and received fewer staff contacts, but more time moving around, doing nothing, and in aggression and active play. Social interaction was little related to building design, but was affected by amount of nursery experience. The findings are discussed in relation to staff aims.